I am just back at my house for the weekend in between week one and week two of the ABS Introduction to bladesmithing course. So here are a few pictures from week one.

Here is a shot of part of the forging area:

Jim Crowell using one of the power hammers:

We have been able to use the power hammers. Which is fun. It makes the slow stuff go fast. It also allows you to make mistakes quickly.

Here are the grinders. There are a couple of Burr Kings, a few KMG's, and a few Baders. Several of which are variable speed.

Jim Crowell was scheduled to be our instructor for the first week. Tim Potier was scheduled to be the instructor for the second week. However, Tim came up and helped out the first week on his own dime. Gordon Graham also helped out the first week and is planning on coming up for the last couple of days of the second week. So instead of having one instructor for our forging we had three!

Jim Crowell (He sure makes it look easy!):

Tim Potier A very fun guy. I am looking forward to learning a ton from him next week. EyeeeeEEEEEEE! :

Gordon Graham I was sure glad he came down to help out!:

One of the fun parts of the week is that some talented makers sometimes drop by. When John Perry stopped by on Friday I managed to pick up one of his sanding jigs and one of his broaches.

Here is a picture of J.R. Cook when he dropped by:

On Thursday evening some of us went to Kenny Rowe's and some of us went to the meeting over at Uncle Al's. I went to Uncle Al's and I had a good time seeing makers I hadn't seen in a while. There was some good BBQ and a flintknapping demonstration.

Here is a picture I wish I had before coming up. It is the kitchen in the bunkhouse. The kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer with an icemaker, a microwave, and an oven/stove. (Now you can plan your meals.)

And finally here is on of the blades that I forged:

If there is anything that you guys want to see while I am up there for week two just let me know and I will see what I can do.